Foundations of Human Activity

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Oxnard was inhabited by Chumash Indians before the Europeans arrived, they were known for their well constructed canoes and fine basket work. After a number of explorations, Oxnard was claimed by the Spanish explorers. King Charles III selected Father Junipero Serra to lead the missions in Alta California. Mission San Buenaventura was the half-way point between San Diego and Monterey. In 1782, pueblos and “ranchos” were established near the missions, were families were influences by the missions. It was not until 1850 when California was added to the union. During the mid nineteenth century European and east coast immigrants began to settle in the west. In 1897, ranchers Albert Maulhardt and Johannes Borchard invited Henry Oxnard and his three brothers to come and build a sugar beet factory. Then in 1803 the city of Oxnard was incorporated into California.

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